How behavioral interview questions are rated at Amazon

In Amazon interviews, the interviewers use a company-wide scale with four ratings to rate interviewees. The ratings are hire, no hire, strong hire, or strong no hire. Basically it’s like getting a letter grade - A, B, D, and F - and you need to get an A.

So how do they decide what rating to give you? After they’ve interviewed you, they rank your abilities in two categories, leadership principles and competencies. The leadership principles will vary by job (if you’re not going to manage people they won’t ask you about Hire and Develop, for instance) and the competencies they use will depend on the job as well (you may have a coding category or not, for instance).

How do they rate you on the leadership principles exactly? Let’s say that the leadership principle “customer obsession” is an important component of the job you’re going for (maybe it’s an Account Manager role). The interviewers will note and then discuss with each other how you do on that component.

If the job requires “customer obsession” and you meets the requirements but don’t exceed them, you’ll be considered average. If another candidate rates higher in that category, you’ll lose to that person in that category.

What will get me the highest rating?

What exactly will get you a “strong hire” - the “A” grade?

There is no one answer to this question, but many of my blog posts are dedicated to helping you formulate answers that will lead to positive outcomes. You must know the leadership principles, and you must have stories about yourself that demonstrate that you embody these principles. My posts give examples to inspire you and help you tell your story.

Also, you must be well versed in the requirements for the job itself. Read the job description, and then read it again. Go through it with a fine-tooth comb and form a strategy for each of the items mentioned in the job description. If the job description mentions a technology you’ve had limited exposure to, take the time to research it. Telling the interviewer that you don’t have a lot of experience in that area but that you researched the topic for the interview sends a strong signal to the interviewer of your professionalism and preparedness.

Finally, while humility is generally considered a good trait in a person, the interview is no time to be humble. Only you can sell yourself and your accomplishments. Help the interviewer see how great you have been and will be.